Abstract: A therapeutic system comprises a generator for generating moist heat in vapor form. The generator comprises a housing having a vapor chamber and a fluid reservoir, the fluid reservoir for receiving a fluid to be vaporized. The housing further contains a heater for heating the fluid received in the fluid reservoir in a first controlled manner to produce the moist heat in vapor form, wherein the moist heat in vapor form produced is contained in the vapor chamber. An interface remote from the generator interfaces the moist heat in vapor form with a desired treatment area. A delivery mechanism connected between the generator and the interface delivers the moist heat in vapor form from the generator to the interface in a second controlled manner.

Abstract: The interior sections of companion sterile connector members are isolated from the atmosphere by shield plates that are movable to uncover aligned conduits in said members through which luer fitting sections are engaged. Compressible seals positioned intermediate said shield plates and said connector members expand and contact one another as the shield plates are moved, thus forming a seal-line that advances behind the trailing edge of the shield plates as the plates are moved to uncover said conduits. The seals thus preserve the sterility of the connector prior to engagement of the luer fittings and provide added assurance against contamination thereafter without contact with the fluid passing through the luer fittings within the connector. In various embodiments, the shield plates are conveniently slid or rotated from the closed to the open position.